Friendly to Senior
Cultural · Religion
本日はお招きいただきありがとうございます。お線香をあげさせていただいてもよろしいでしょうか。 — Thank you for inviting me today. May I offer some incense? (Cultural · Religion, Friendly to Senior, JLPT N4)
You
本日はお招きいただきありがとうございます。お線香をあげさせていただいてもよろしいでしょうか。
ほんじつはおまねきいただきありがとうございます。おせんこうをあげさせていただいてもよろしいでしょうか。
Thank you for inviting me today. May I offer some incense?
Romaji: Honjitsu wa omaneki itadaki arigatou gozaimasu. Osenkou o agesasete itadaite mo yoroshii deshou ka. / Reply Romaji: Hai, douzo. Kono saki ni butsudan ga arimasu.
Reply
はい、どうぞ。この先に仏壇があります。
はい、どうぞ。このさきにぶつだんがあります。
Yes, please. The altar is just through here.
Gesture & etiquette
Speak softly, almost in a hush near the altar. Bow when entering the room with the butsudan. At the altar: kneel or sit on the prepared cushion (zabuton), light incense, ring the bell once, hands together in front of chest, bow with eyes closed for a moment, then stand and bow once to the family.
Buddhist memorial services (houji) are held at fixed intervals after death (49 days, 1 year, 3 years, etc.). 'Osenkou o ageru' (to offer incense) is the standard observance at the family altar (butsudan). Ask permission before approaching the altar. Light incense with a match (do not blow out — fan with hand), place in the burner, ring the bell once gently, then bow with hands clasped. Avoid casual conversation in front of the altar.